Shiva is not a person but an eternal principle that is the essence of everything. It is the substratum of existence that sustains everything and in which everything dissolves.
Nataraja symbolizes the interplay between the material and spiritual realms of creation. The Ananda Tandava or the dance of bliss represents the beauty, elegance, and grace of the Shiva Tandava.
The different elements of the Nataraja iconography signify the expanding and collapsing nature of the universe, the primordial energy of the cosmos, protection and assurance of orderliness, and infinite possibilities.
The Ananda Tandava can be experienced through deep sadhana and detachment from the material world. It is the dance of the cosmic rhythm that can be enjoyed only after transcending the body, mind, intellect, and ego complex.
The Chidambaram temple is a magnificent representation of the cosmic stage of Nataraja. It signifies the scintillating consciousness and the eternal dance of Shiva that is happening perpetually on the stage of consciousness.
The scriptures extol the Shiva Principle as being all-pervasive, everything in this world is an expression of Shiva.
Shivaratri is the most unique time to rise above the mundane and bask in the supreme glory of the infinite, innocent, and blissful Shiva tattva. Celebrating the Shiva tattva in oneself is the real MahaShivaratri.